The Low Carbon Economy Ltd

Businesses 'should identify emissions hotspots'

Businesses should seek expert advice in identifying emissions hotspots to cut the levels of carbon dioxide they produce, according to The Carbon Trust Footprinting Company.

Euan Murray, general manager of The Carbon Trust Footprinting Company, said that businesses are increasingly taking an interest in their carbon footprints and making efforts to improve energy efficiency.

However, a survey of 200 finance directors released last week by the Carbon Trust revealed that just 26 percent of firms currently measure their carbon footprint.

Mr Murray explained that often businesses will find that their emissions come from a hotspot, such as a single appliance.

"Quite often, the worst emissions hotspots aren't where people would expect, so it is important to identify where the biggest savings can be made and the best ways of going about making them," Mr Murray explained.

The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on the government to make energy-efficient improvements more economically viable for small firms.

A report by the organisation entitled Making Sense of Going Green - Small Businesses and Low Carbon Economy, suggested that the current system of loans should be expanded.